WINNIPEG — The University of Manitoba Bisons were shut out 4-0 by the first-ranked Saskatchewan Huskies in their home opener Friday night at Wayne Fleming Arena.
Playing their first home game of the 2026-27 Canada West season after splitting a season-opening road series against UBC in Vancouver, the Bisons welcomed a crowd of 340 fans, their largest home attendance in over two seasons.
Saskatchewan spoiled the occasion despite a 42-save effort from Manitoba goaltender
Braden Holt.
The Huskies opened the scoring late in the first period when Tyler Parr converted on the power play at 13:13. Rhett Rhinehart and Jaydon Dureau picked up the assists after Manitoba was assessed an interference penalty earlier in the sequence.
Despite a strong start from Holt, who turned aside 17 shots in the opening frame, Saskatchewan extended its lead in the second period. Chase Bertholet scored at 9:30 off a feed from Carter Stebbings to make it 2-0.
The Huskies then capitalized again on special teams. Liam Keeler scored on a power play at 17:31 after assists from Bertholet and Landon Kosior, giving Saskatchewan a 3-0 lead heading into the third period.
Saskatchewan added an insurance marker just 2:14 into the third when Ashton Ferster finished a setup from Dureau to cap the scoring at 4-0.
Manitoba generated 16 shots on goal but was unable to solve Nolan Maier, who recorded the shutout. The Bisons had four power-play opportunities, including two consecutive chances midway through the second period, but finished 0-for-4 with the man advantage. Saskatchewan went 2-for-5 on the power play.
Holt was a bright spot for Manitoba, making 42 saves on 46 shots in a busy evening between the pipes. Saskatchewan outshot the Bisons 46-16, including an 18-5 edge in the first period.
Skyler Bruce and
Dawson Pasternak led Manitoba with three shots apiece, while
Tanner Willick and
Grady Lane each recorded two. First-year forwards
Erik Pastro and Teague McAllister both registered shots in their home debuts.
The Bisons fell to 1-2 on the season, while Saskatchewan opened its campaign with a road victory. The Herd will look for a series split tomorrow when they return to Wayne Fleming for a 2 p.m. puck drop.
Tickets are available here.
